General Chat

Am tearing my hair out trying to find a flat to rent as I have a new job starting 4th July. Everywhere is just so expensive! Not only that but I'm having to start adding bus fares on top of it too! Argh!!!!!!!!!!!! Its not fair!!!!!!!!

I'm looking at Morpeth primarily but also West Jesmond and Gosforth as I can commute from both those places.

Aww Roxanne thank you! Thats really sweet of you! Its ok, I think I'm being a bit too fussy. Am trying to avoid a flat share and anything where its a kitchen/bedroom/living room all in one!

I don't know about the area that you are looking in, but the local councils in Hampshire have lists, held at all counciul offices, where they give places that are cheap to rent in the private sector, and only landlords that the council accept. So... would it be worth popping down to the local council offices and asking? Bear in mind though...Mondays are one of the busiest days at local councils - best phone for an appointment or take a flask and sandwiches :)

Unfortunately visiting the local council isn't an option as I'm moving to a different part of the country to where I am :( Will try phoning them though as I'm booking time off work to go flat hunting next weekend.

sarah, why don`t you contact either Newcastle upon tyne or morpeth housing offices, they might be able to assist you where accomodation is required( if they have any property to let) I can give you the telephone number of newcastle upon tyne, if you have`nt got it! linda x

Im not helping at all, im sorry......but we have a free paper thats just renting. Also our local library has posters up for rental places. Just to add.....we were looking for a bigger place......my friend and (almost) neighbour, owns the place next door to us....she mentioned her tenants were moving out.....much bigger than our place, but same rent.....guess what! We are moving next door next month!!! And only going next door...result!!

If you are moving to a new area, why not go B&B near new job until you've sussed out whereabouts you would like to live (you should be able to negotiate a weekly rate, on the basis that they may have you some weeks). You never know, a new work colleague could put you onto something and save all that slogging....you are right to stick it out for what you want. There will be just the place waiting for you! Good Luck! Lily

Thank you so much for all your wonderful suggestions! The good news is I have 2 viewings lined up for next Saturday. One I found through an estate agent and the other through a local newspaper who list their classifieds online (good news for non-locals like me!). So fingers crossed they will work out. If not I will be phoning the housing people as suggested. May as well give these two possible flats a chance before panicking! Linda - If I could have that telephone number I'd be so grateful, thank you! Still find it somewhat odd moving back near the area I was born and lived in until I was 10! Strump - You are helping an awful lot honey and I really value your advice. I won't turn down any advice right now! Lily - Thank you so much for your support and advice. Its great when even people you don't know too well tell you to follow your dreams. It reminds us that there is something right with this world :) Thank you again.

I know how you feel Sarah the landlord that owns this place is getting funny with me...Mum fine he just wants me out .I went to the local council and housing assossiations and they dont want to know and private rent is so expensive around here I might have to move out of the area.

Malc - thats awful :( A friend of mine got asked to leave her flat because the owners had decided they wanted to move into it themselves. Fair enough she was given a a few weeks notice, but she had a lot of problems finding a new flat as they're not cheap in London! In the end her parents have helped her buy her own flat. She has a huge mortgage and I really don't envy her. Is there anyone at work who might be able to help you out, either by offering a bed or suggesting another alternative? I'm hoping if I get really stuck my new work collegues will be able to offer me advice as they're bound to know the area better than I do.

There a a few people at work Sarah and believe it or not rent is cheaper near work (Waltham Abbey area) than it is round here (Bishops Stortford area) I suppose its got something to do with Stanstead.

Sarah, I cannot find the telephone number, the council have changed it to `my homes` here is their email address! www(.)newcastle(.)gov(.)uk or www(.)yhn(.)org(.)uk remember to remove brackets! best of luck linda x

Malc - yes area does seem to do an awful lot to prices! I currently live in an area which isn't very desirable because there isn't much here at all and so I get a really good rent on the flat. Linda - you're a sweetheart thank you!

Hi Sarah When my son found work away from home he was advised to apply to the council as newcomers to the area were given preference when flats became available. Heather

Thanks Heather :) Will give it a try.

Has the place you're moving to got a university or college nearby? If so, they often rent out rooms during the summer break with use of the kitchens etc and you might find those cheaper than a B & B while you look for something more permanent. Good luck.

Another thought Sarah, why not get your new employers to put up a notice asking if anyone knows of anywhere for you, even if just a temporary solution while you look around and get to know the area. Or when you go flat hunting at the w/e put some cards in the windows of nearby shops.

Those are fantastic ideas Purple :) I'm so glad I wrote on the board about this. I've received nothing but helpful advice, comments and similar experiences :) You've all been so kind and I'm very grateful.

good luck sarah, do let us know how you get on, sue, xxx.